The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Rio Rojo Natchitoches to the Natchitoches business community with a ribbon-cutting celebration. The event brought together Chamber representatives and the family behind Rio Rojo to recognize the restaurant and learn more about its history and authentic Mexican cuisine.

The family opened its first Rio Rojo location in Alexandria in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the business has expanded to Deville and, most recently, Natchitoches.

Uriel Rodriguez, owner and operator of the Natchitoches location, is returning to his roots by bringing his family’s made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine to the community. Rodriguez graduated from St. Mary’s High School before earning a degree from Northwestern State University’s Hospitality Management and Tourism program in 2024.

The Natchitoches location marks another milestone for the family-owned restaurant business and an opportunity for Rodriguez to serve the community where he attended school.

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